If you've heard the terms "CO₂" and "Fiber" in the context of laser engraving but don't know the difference — you're not alone. This article explains it simply and helps you decide correctly.
What Is CO₂ Laser?
CO₂ laser works at a wavelength of 10,600 nm and is absorbed very well by non-metallic materials. It's ideal for:
- Wood and derivatives (MDF, plywood, bamboo)
- Acrylic (plexiglass) — crystal-clear engraving
- Leather natural and synthetic
- Certain rubbers and plastics
- Glass (surface engraving)
- Paper and card (cutting and engraving)
Our CO₂ machine has 60W power, 60×40 cm working area, and precision down to 0.05mm.
What Is Fiber Laser?
Fiber laser works at a wavelength of 1,064 nm and is absorbed by metals. It's the only real option for:
- Stainless steel — trophies, plaques, equipment
- Aluminium — technical products, machinery, signage
- Bronze and brass — memorial plaques, decorations
- Gold and silver — jewellery, gifts
- Titanium — medical and technical products
Our Fiber machine has 30W MOPA power, 0.02mm precision, and speeds up to 7,000mm/s.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CO₂ | Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wood / MDF | ✅ | ❌ |
| Acrylic | ✅ | ❌ |
| Leather | ✅ | ⚠️ some only |
| Precision | 0.05mm | 0.02mm |
| Speed | Medium | Very high |
| Work area | 60×40cm | 110×110mm |
Practical Examples
Choose CO₂ for: wooden company logo trophies, acrylic office plaques, MDF gift boxes, restaurant signage, monogrammed tables/chairs.
Choose Fiber for: jewellery with initials, stainless steel keys with logo, personalised metal clips, bronze memorial plaques, precise metal cutting.
Pricing
Laser engraving is charged by machine time + material. A simple logo on 10×10cm MDF starts from 300–500 ALL. Serial engraving of 50 stainless steel keys starts from 150–200 ALL/piece (material not included).
Contact us with dimensions and quantity — a concrete quote within 24 hours.
